Netflix History Reached with Happy Gilmore 2's Remarkable Debut Weekend
In a historic turn of events, the long-awaited sequel to the iconic 1996 comedy, Happy Gilmore, has made its mark on the streaming world. Released on Netflix in July 2025, Happy Gilmore 2 achieved over 46.7 million views in its first three days, setting a new record for the biggest U.S. opening weekend for a Netflix original film[1][2][5].
The success of Happy Gilmore 2 can be attributed to several factors. The sequel's connection to the beloved original, the return of Adam Sandler in the titular role, and the presence of key cast members like Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller, Dennis Dugan, and Kevin Nealon, rekindled strong nostalgia and fan interest[1]. Additionally, the platform's promotion and the existing popularity of Adam Sandler’s films on Netflix contributed to its record-setting viewership[1][2].
Notable appearances in Happy Gilmore 2 included Eminem and golfing superstars Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau[4]. The movie's ranking among English-language movies on Netflix and its 61% rating on Rotten Tomatoes further solidified its place in the streaming world[6][7].
Despite mixed responses from reviewers and fans, Happy Gilmore 2's impressive viewership demonstrates the enduring appeal of the original film and the power of a well-executed streaming release strategy[3]. The article about Happy Gilmore 2's record-breaking debut was first revealed by Netflix[2]. On IMDb, the movie has a rating of 6.3 out of 10 from 48,000 reviews[8].
[1] - Variety [2] - Netflix Press Release [3] - The Hollywood Reporter [4] - CNN [5] - Deadline [6] - Rotten Tomatoes [7] - IMDb [8] - IMDb User Reviews
Movies-and-tv, entertainment continue to captivate audiences as the successful debut of Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix solidified its place as a notable addition to the streaming world. This highly anticipated sequel, featuring Adam Sandler and a star-studded cast, garnered interest from fans eager to revisit the beloved original, setting new records for streaming viewership.